flying in USA domestic later in year, choices on airline - delta (best time), American or United.

flying in USA domestic later in year, choices on airline - delta (best time), American or United. delta and AA will link to freq flyer, flying first - thoughts

Depends entirely upon where you're going. I've heard the worst things about United, but they're generally pretty bad.

I'd go with Delta if it's the best timing for you.

(Also, if Virgin America fly your route, I'd strongly consider them – I reckon they run the best domestic service anywhere)

What is the context of your US domestic itinerary? Will you be connecting to/from a QF or Virgin Australia flight?

Also, what are the factors you consider important? Timeliness, Service, Comfort, Lounge facilities, Price etc. etc?

Cheers, no connection worries, comfort & service the key issues (price all around the same) and no Virgin on this route

My experience is limited to AA. If you're flying in First Class, contrary to popular belief, the product offering is pretty good.

Seats: Recliners very similar to QF 737 and 767. Although the pitch on AA, in my opinion, is wider.

Entertainment: You're provided with a Samsung Galaxy tablet for flights on 767. Good content on those tablets. While this is quite subjective, I believe the content is also relatively varied. Although not perfect it is a lot better in my opinion compared to the content on the QF 767 iPads. There is no entertainment on 737 flights.

Service: The FA at the narrow end on AA are really quite nice and very genuine. Yes, they may not be much to look at at times but they certainly have the experience. It's also important to point out that while they are prompt and attentive, they do not molly coddle you and make you feel completely uncomfortable with the attention given.

Food: This is where, in my opinion AA excels. No nonsense comfort food. Good portion size that sits in your belly but not in a sluggish way. Depending on the time of the flight, the meal service is finished off with freshly baked cookies and milk (baked on board) or a sundae. Very much back to basics non-pretentious food. As an aside, BA would do well to have a Delia Smith inspired menu. In my opinion all this master chef crap is getting to people's heads!

P.S: Regardless of who you chose to fly with in the US, there is always that risk that a loud, nasal sounding American might be in the same cabin. It is my experience that if that loud person is not sat next to you, you will probably enjoy some camaraderie with your seat mate, as you two (and the FA) share a quiet chuckle at the expense of this loud person.

Hope this helps!

Do you have decent status with Qantas or Virgin? If the former then I'd suggest AA for points & status credits + lounge access, plus better seating - as a QF Platinum flying AA I've often been nudged into the front row of economy, which has extra legroom. If you're Virgin then Delta is a more logical choice. Personally I find the 'big three' American airlines are pretty much of a muchness in economy so I'd be rating other factors such as points, lounge access and of course how well their flight schedule fits into yours.

If your concerned about comfort and service I DO NOT recommend United. Now, unless they have changed since 2006 I would not fly with them.

Many thanks for all the input, much appreciated, AA got the nod